Sadly, we all have been touched by cancer in some way. Unfortunately, I have my own story to share.
On November 11 back in 2012, I was seriously injured in an accident. I shattered two ribs, punctured my lung, diaphragm and spleen. I spent over a week at Baystate, recovering and healing the best I could. I began to lose weight, my liver was unhappy. The whites of my eyes were a shade of yellow, and my body was covered with many lesions. After many doctor visits, medications and whole body scans, six weeks into this battle I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Some of the most intense pain, mentally challenging hurdles and healing soon faced me – head on. These were some of the darkest, most challenging days of my life.
I am one of the lucky ones, though, still here to tell my story. There is not a day that passes that I am not appreciative to be here. One of my greatest fears is being told the cancer has returned. I do all that I can to keep my body happy, healthy and strong. The treatments have left me with neuropathy in my feet and a considerable need to get plenty of sleep. In March, I will celebrate four years since they mixed and hooked me up to my last chemical cocktail.
During my journey, I learned so very much. I have much more support than I ever could have imagined. I thank every one of you who were there for me, and my Smith College family who believed so very much that I could one day return strong enough to teach my classes again. After I recovered, one of those incredibly supportive folks had soon shared that she was diagnosed, too. This incredibly caring and wholesome soul now faced the challenges that I had once told. I made it a point to be there for her, took her to many of her treatments and supported her into her personal storm. She showed me this journey can be travelled with much grace – she was always so optimistic, so incredibly strong. As time passed, her health may have declined, but her will for a continued presence was very much alive. She was such a special person to so many folks; it’s incredible how many others she had touched.
This dear friend lost her place in this world, but it wasn’t before she gave life all that she could. She was a participant at the Cancer Connection; I will never forget the first time we walked in to meet them. I too have benefitted from this incredible organization; it brought peace and balance to my world when everything got so hazed. This incredible program needs my support, so I have chosen to run this race in honor of my dear friend Terry, and for my personal self. In 2013 while enduring treatments, I walked the thirteen miles with many good friends. This year I will take on the incredible challenge to run thirteen miles with Terry close at heart. I have NEVER run more than a 5K so this will surely take some focus and training on my part.
Thank you for supporting me by making a donation.I will make you all proud, I will complete this thirteen mile challenge with all that is in me.
When I find myself thinking I cannot run on, I will remember how lucky I am – here, running on…